Time to learn to be a good citizen

HUNDREDS of schoolchildren around Swindon will be taught about emergency situations as part of the Junior Good Citizen Scheme which launches today.

The scheme, more than two decades old, is aimed at helping children avoid putting themselves in danger in risky scenarios.

It is designed to educate children about situations which can end up causing injuries or accidents, encouraging them to respond appropriately to emergency situations and highlighting how they can help to create safer communities by being good citizens.

The multi-agency partnership scheme, which is based at the Punjabi Community Centre in Gorse Hill, has been running successfully for more than 25 years.

During a two-week period between today and Friday, June 13, approximately 1,400 Year 6 pupils, accompanied by teachers and helpers, will take part in the scheme.

The children are put into groups and then face different scenarios, each designed to help them learn about personal and community safety. These include staying safe online, anti-social behaviour, railway safety, first aid, food hygiene, fire safety, personal safety and road safety.

PCSO Mandi Coles has been heavily involved in the scheme in Swindon. “The emphasis of this scheme is for young people to have fun while they learn about how they can keep themselves and those in their communities safe,” she said.

“This year we’ve also introduced anti-social behaviour within the range of topics covered. “This will help the young people of Swindon understand what we mean by anti-social behaviour and the potential consequences that can arise.”

PCSO Coles said the benefits of the scheme had been proved by those who have passed through it over the last 25 years.

“The Junior Good Citizen scheme has been going for many years and I really enjoy being involved in it,” she said. “It has armed thousands of children across Swindon with crucial information about how to deal with dangerous and possible life-threatening situations.

“We work with several partnership agencies to offer a comprehensive scheme which encompasses as many different scenarios as possible.”

The new logo for the Junior Good Citizen Scheme was designed by 13-year-old Daisy Priestley, of Kingsdown School, who won a competition run last year to find the most eye-catching and original design.